As our club’s first few games kicked off I have been thinking a lot about preseason and early season training. Preseason training is a pivotal period for field hockey players to enhance their technical and physical skills. I’d like to share some thoughts on how to optimise your preseason as a coach or player, to ensure readiness for this and future seasons.

Why Preseason Training Matters
Preseason is crucial for developing the skills and fitness levels necessary to prevent injuries and succeed on the field. A well-structured preseason program improves decision-making and tactical execution, which are vital in competitive hockey.

Key Areas of Focus

1. Enhancing Technical Skills

Basic Skills Mastery:

• Receiving: Ensure players can control the ball under pressure.
• Passing: Develop accuracy and speed in passing to maintain possession.
• First Touch: Improve the ability to control the ball immediately, setting up subsequent plays.

• Regular drills and practice sessions help players refine these skills.
• Focus on building muscle memory to execute skills naturally during games.

2. Building Physical Fitness

Importance of Fitness:

• A fit player can make quicker decisions and maintain high performance throughout the game.
• Fitness helps in executing tactics effectively, especially in high-pressure situations.

• Implement two fitness sessions per week focusing on endurance, strength, and agility.
• Include exercises like interval running, strength training, and agility drills.

3. Developing Tactical Understanding

Tactical Training:

• Use preseason to teach and refine tactical knowledge.
• Conduct sessions that simulate game scenarios to practice strategies.

• Ensure players understand their roles within the team’s strategy.
• Foster communication and teamwork through group drills and exercises.

Tailoring Training to Team Strengths
Assessment and Strategy:

• Evaluate the team’s strengths and areas for improvement.
• Develop a strategy that leverages these strengths, incorporating them into principles of play.

• Provide personalized feedback to players to enhance their specific skills.
• Focus on both individual and team-based improvements.

Ideal Preseason Training Schedule
To optimize performance, balance is key:

• 3 Field Training Sessions: Concentrate on technical skills and tactical play.
• 2 Fitness Sessions: Focus on physical conditioning to enhance endurance and strength.

By focusing on these critical areas, players will be well-prepared for the season, reducing the risk of injuries and improving overall performance. Coaches should tailor training to the unique strengths and needs of their team, ensuring every player is ready to excel.

Good luck with all your seasons and I look forward to seeing you on the pitch soon!